First from WBRZ Investigative Unit: Area fire chief arrested on child porn charges

GONZALES- A District Fire Chief in the City of Gonzales is locked up, accused of possessing child porn.

According to booking records, 35-year old Kristopher Johnson was charged with possession of child porn and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction. Johnson was booked on 11 counts of pornography involving juveniles.

Investigators searched Johnson's home where some evidence of child pornography was found, a spokesperson for the AG first told WBRZ Thursday morning.

According to information on the Gonzales Fire Department's website, Johnson involved himself in community events involving children. Johnson won first place in a chili cook-off for "Project Kidz Kove Chili Cookoff" back in 2010.

Kris Johnson is pictured here from a department website post related to a chili cook-off.

Someone who answered the phone at the Gonzales Fire Department referred questions concerning the matter to Chief Tracey Normand. Normand told WBRZ, Johnson has been placed on paid administrative leave during this investigation. Johnson has been with the Fire Department since 2001.

“All of us at the City of Gonzales Fire Department are saddened to learn of this arrest, but are diligent in ensuring that all agencies involved receive the full support of this department,” said Normand in a press release.

Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux said protocols are being followed as the firefighter remains on paid leave.

"We have to wait for the completion of the investigation at that point in time we'll do what we have to do," Arceneaux said.

As of this post, Johnson remains in jail. Bond has been set at $600,000.